Geometrical Optimization of the Overlap in Mixed Adhesive Lap Joints

The aim of this research is to optimize the geometry of the overlap in mixed adhesive single- and double-lap joints using a modified version of Bees and Genetic Algorithms (BA and GA). Accounting for adherends Poisson's ratio in the deduced equilibrium equations, the proposed shear lag model gives a more accurate approximation of joint failure load in comparison with Volkersen's solution. The objective functions used in this work are used separately to maximize the load bearing capacity f and the specific strength (f/w) of the joint. This procedure is applied to optimize aeronautical adhesively bonded assemblies, while taking manufacturing constraints into account. The employed constraints are the application of yield criterion on adherends as well as geometrical constraint on the overlap length. The proposed straightforward procedure provides 18 optimal configurations amid a wide range of changes for optimization variables, among which the designer can take a choice, depending on his/her goal. The efficiency of the two employed algorithms, BA and GA, in searching for the optimum geometrical design of the mixed adhesive joints have also been investigated. The results show the more robust and efficient performance of the modified version of BA over GA in such kinds of engineering problems.     

An optimization method based on the Legendre wavelets for 3D rotating,squeezing and stretching magnetohydrodymanic flow in a channel with porous wall

In this paper, the 3D flow in a rotating channel with the lower permeable stretching wall is investigated. The unsteady squeezing flow in the presence of transverse magnetic flux is mathematically modeled by utilizing Navier-Stokes equations. A new optimal wavelet method based on coupling the Legendre wavelets and the hat functions with some auxiliary convergence-control parameters is proposed to solve the obtained fourth-order system of nonlinear differential equations. In the proposed method, the residual function and its error of norm two are employed for converting the main problem into an optimization one to optimally choose the auxiliary convergence-control parameters. The main idea behind this approach is to reduce solving such problems to those of solving optimization ones which greatly simplifies the problem and also leads to obtaining a good approximate solution for the problem under consideration.

     

Shear stress distribution in adhesive layers of a double-lap joint with void or bond separation

In this work, stress distribution in adhesive layers of a double-lap joint subjected to tension and suffering from a void or a partial debond at the adhesive–adherend interface is examined. For symmetric voids, the deduced equilibrium equations are decoupled for better application of boundary conditions at the extreme ends of each adhesive layer. The proposed method of solution has resulted in better estimates on peak shear stress developed in the adhesive layers. The results based on analytical solution are compared with those of finite element findings. Very good agreement is observed between the two. The major difference between stresses stemming from debonds and voids occurs at the edge of the large size defects. For small central defects, it is hardly discernible by the stresses to distinguish the type of defect. Moreover, there appears to be an optimum length to thickness ratio for each adhesive layer which produces minimum peak interfacial shear stress. This value seems to be a function of defect size and location. A double-lap joint shows to experience smaller interfacial shear stresses due to a single void or debond in comparison with a single-lap joint with a similar defect. The peak interfacial shear stress in a double-lap joint suffering from symmetric voids or debonds is still lower than that of a single-lap joint with a single defect of the same size and location.     

Potato extract as reducing agent and stabiliser in a facile green one-step synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles

A facile green recipe was developed to synthesise highly pure, safe and durable zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) using homemade starch-rich potato extract. The ZnO Nps were synthesised using zinc nitrate and potato extract, and the whole reaction is carried out for 30 min at 80 °C. In the synthesis, starch-rich potato extract acted as the reducing agent and as a stabilising layer on freshly formed ZnO Nps. Hexagonal (wurtzite) shaped ZnO Nps with size about 20 ± 1.2 nm were synthesised and characterised using X-ray diffraction, transition electron microscope and scanning microscopy analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis indicated that highly pure ZnO nanopowders were obtained at higher temperatures. The use of environmentally benign and renewable material as the respective reducing and protecting agents, starch-rich potato extract, as well as a gentle solvent medium (H₂O), offered a simple and quite efficient procedure for the synthesis of ZnO Nps in neutral medium with promising potential for biological and biomedical applications.     

Dynamics of droplet transport induced by electrowetting actuation

This study reports on the dynamics of droplets in the capillary regime induced by electrowetting-on-dielectric actuation. The configuration investigated allows for comparing the experimental results with respect to the predictions of Brochard’s theoretical model (Brochard in Langmuir 5:432–438, 1989). Firstly, side-view observations using stroboscopic recording techniques were used to measure and analyse droplet deformations as well as the front and rear apparent contact angles during motion. Secondly, the influence of viscosity on the droplet velocity as a function of the applied voltage was studied. This has revealed that low Reynolds number droplet motion can be described by the simple laminar viscous model of Brochard. Finally, the influence of the dielectric thickness on the droplet dynamics was studied. It is shown that droplet velocity is limited by a saturation effect of the driving electrostatic force and that this phenomenon is very similar to that occurring in static experiments.